MMA growing still, and with it, hopes of young fighters like Phil Davis

Davis is a soft-spoken fighter, hardly outrageous, at least not yet near the level of his Saturday opponent. If the fight is anything like this recent Davis-Evans exchange during a conference call, Evans will win by submission.

Evans: “He ain’t ready. He knows he ain’t ready. I’m looking into his eyes and he ain’t ready. You’re just a boy. We’re going to see what kind of man you are because I know you ain’t no fighter.”

Davis: “Oh. OK, that’s scary. When I’m on top of you I’m going to remind you with every shot what you said.”

I ask Davis if he’s the good guy or the bad guy.

“It depends on who you ask,” he says. “I would say I’m the good guy and I would say most people would agree. My grandma would be very upset if I said I’m something other than the good guy. I have a nice following.”

Because of his wrestling experience, that part of MMA is Davis’ obvious strength. He owns a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he’s still considered one-dimensional, not the best striker. Still, his wrestling expertise helps him overcome a lot. And his growth plates aren’t dormant.

“My goal is to just be the best,” Davis says. “I want a belt. I want to be on top. A career in this sport can be long or short, depending on the athlete.”